February 3-9, 2026
Updates and news for the week of February 3-9, 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.
Highlights
HOSTING A SUMMER CAMP AT UTC? WE WANT TO HELP SPREAD THE WORD
Each summer, UTC opens its campus to the community through a wide range of camps for K–12 students—from science and athletics to leadership development and college prep. These hands-on programs keep students engaged while school is out and give families access to university-level experiences right here on campus.
Most camps are open to the public and serve elementary, middle and high school students, offering full-day activity camps, weeklong academic programs and skill-building clinics.
Feature writer Carter Graham is gathering information for a combined summer camp website story/external press release. If you’re hosting a camp, please send details to carter-h-graham@utc.edu by Wednesday, Feb. 11, so he can include as many programs as possible in the announcement.
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EXPANDED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE ON CAMPUS
The Counseling Center has partnered with Parkridge Mental Health Therapy Center to offer extended services on the UTC campus. Parkridge at UTC is open from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and offers individual therapy, group therapy and intensive outpatient services for students, faculty and staff.
Services are available in person at UC Foundation, Suite 5217. To schedule an initial appointment, call 423-468-5213. Students who are already receiving services through the UTC Counseling Center are encouraged to speak with their provider about whether Parkridge at UTC is a good fit for their needs.
For video directions to the center, click Directions to Parkridge Mental Health Therapy Center.
Outstanding People of UTC
 A rower moves across the Tennessee River in a photograph by Clara Paulson, submitted to the Hearst Awards. Two UTC communication students placed nationally in the 2025 Hearst Awards for their work as communicators and storytellers.
Clara Paulson, a junior Brock Scholar in the UTC Honors College majoring in communication, placed 12th nationally in the Hearst Photo One competition. Emily Mitchell, who graduated in fall 2025 with a communication degree and a minor in rhetoric and professional writing, placed 13th nationally in the Hearst Multimedia Visual Storytelling Competition.
Mitchell’s story, “Carriage Chronicles,” featured a video component that explored Chattanooga’s iconic horse-drawn carriages. Paulson entered a six-photograph portfolio featuring photos she has taken during her time at UTC.
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 Dr. Amy Brock-Hon At UTC, research is always happening. Across campus, faculty in their respective fields are expanding the limits of their expertise by discovering new knowledge, better understanding the world and developing innovative solutions to problems.
For Dr. Amy Brock-Hon, Robert Lake Wilson Professor of Geology, the past 15 years in the UTC Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science have been a time to explore her passion and deepen her understanding of the field.
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 Novice Teacher of the Year honorees (from left) Reagan Lowrie, Lauren Cardenas and Madisson Mantooth. Three recent UTC School of Education graduates are being recognized early in their careers for the influence they are already making in Tennessee classrooms. Lauren Cardenas, Reagan Lowrie and Madisson Mantooth have each been named Novice Teacher of the Year recipients in their respective school districts, an honor that recognizes full-time teachers in their first three years in the classroom who demonstrate excellence in instruction, professionalism and student engagement.
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West Chair of Excellence in Communication and Public Affairs Brandon Bouchillon was published in ScienceDirect’s Telematics and Informatics journal for his research on group texting and how it contributes to emotional well-being and life satisfaction.
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The Center for Academic Support and Advisement (CASA) has earned Level 2 certification from the College Reading and Learning Association for its peer educator training programs, recognizing CASA’s work in meeting rigorous standards for peer educator selection, training and evaluation. Certified programs include:
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Peer Academic Coaching–Teresa Harrison, academic coaching program coordinator
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Peer Tutoring–Brad Bond, assistant director of academic support
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Supplemental Instruction–Jenny Wells, SI coordinator
CASA is located in the UTC Library, Suite 335. For more information, contact academicsupport@utc.edu.
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Check out these Mocs in the news:
- Chief of Staff Cheryl Montgomery was featured in Edge Magazine.
- Clarence T. Jones Observatory Director Steven Kline joined an episode of Jed & JR Mornings to discuss the observatory and its weekly “Star Parties.”
- Bill Floyd, resident space educator in the Challenger STEM Learning Center, spoke to WVLT 8 in Knoxville about remembering the Challenger explosion 40 years later.
- Associate Athletics Director of Digital Media Services Leah Gill was featured by Sports Video Group for serving as a chair for the 2026 SVG College Summit.
- UC Foundation Associate Professor Chris Acuff spoke to the Times Free Press about Chattanooga tripling the number of employees making six figures.
Mark Your Calendar
 Photo credit: GoMocs.com This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:
- Thursday, Feb. 5: Men’s Basketball vs. Mercer, McKenzie Arena, 7 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 6: Men’s Tennis vs. Gardner-Webb, UTC Tennis Center, 1 p.m.
- Saturday, Feb. 7: Men’s Basketball vs. The Citadel, McKenzie Arena, 2 p.m.
- Monday, Feb. 9: Chat With the Mocs, Miller’s Ale House (Hixson), 96.1 FM, 7 p.m.
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Career Connections and the Department of Criminal Justice will host the Criminal Justice Expo from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. today (Feb. 3) in the University Center Tennessee Room. Students are invited to come network with over 20 justice-related organizations.
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The Gary W. Rollins College of Business will hold virtual information sessions for the Master of Business Administration, MS Management, MS Data Analytics, and Master of Accountancy graduate programs. Rollins College of Business graduate programs offer flexible course options and exclusive career support resources designed to advance your education and career.
MAcc Information Sessions
MSM Information Sessions
MSDA Information Sessions
MBA Information Sessions
Business Analytics Certificate Information Sessions
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Students are invited to the “Reaching Employers: Email & LinkedIn Strategies” workshop from 2-3 p.m. today (Feb. 3) in Fletcher Hall 210. The session will cover cold emailing, LinkedIn outreach, follow-up strategies and how to stay professional and persistent when connecting with employers. Register online and direct questions to Megan Cales.
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Join an Orientation Leader interest meeting to learn more about the role, responsibilities and impact you can make in welcoming new students to campus. This meeting is a great opportunity to ask questions and find out if the position is right for you. If you are interested but unable to attend, please email Katelynn Buchanan.
- Today (Feb. 3), Zoom, 3 p.m.
The Orientation Leader application is now open in MocSync, and will close on Friday, Feb. 6.
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The Center for Wellbeing offers a monthly lineup of training sessions for faculty and staff. If interested, please sign up here. Trainings counting toward completion of the Mental Health Ally Program are noted with an asterisk (*).
The Center is happy to schedule trainings for specific teams or departments at other times throughout the year. Reach out to Megan McKnight with questions or to request a training.
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*Wednesday, Feb. 4: Suicide Prevention Using Question, Persuade, Refer and the C-SSRS (Zoom), 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
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*Thursday, Feb. 19: Psychological First Aid (Zoom), 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
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Thursday, Feb. 26: Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone (Mocs Recovery Lounge at Stacy Town Center), 11 a.m.-noon
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Friday, Feb. 27: Introduction to Motivational Interviewing for Faculty and Staff (Zoom), noon-1 p.m.
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Interested in UTC’s multidisciplinary Learning and Leadership (LEAD) doctoral programs? Join the last virtual information session at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 4, hosted by Dr. Elizabeth Crawford, LEAD programs advisor, and Dr. David Rausch, LEAD programs director.
Applications for the summer 2026 Ph.D. and Ed.D. cohorts will be accepted now through Friday, Feb. 27. Step-by-step application instructions and additional details, including FAQs, will be available on the LEAD program websites. For questions, email utclead@utc.edu.
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Graduate students are invited to a virtual workshop, “Financial Fitness: Practical Financial Wellness Tips for Grad Students,” from noon-1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5, via Zoom. Led by UTC’s Financial Wellness Center, the session will cover budgeting, managing expenses and building healthy financial habits.
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The Innovations in Honors program is seeking currently enrolled students interested in joining the UTC Honors College in fall 2026. Students can learn more by registering for a virtual information session, held via Zoom from 1-2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5.
The program offers opportunities to develop key skills and enrich the academic experience through hands-on learning, including courses such as Innovation Lab, where students collaborate with partners from the city of Chattanooga to design and implement projects that address community challenges.
Additional benefits of admission to the UTC Honors College include a $2,000 annual scholarship (for up to three years, depending on completed credits at the time of admission), potential housing in the honors residential community, an out-of-state tuition waiver, priority registration, small class sizes and support for research and travel opportunities.
Students are encouraged to register for a virtual information session or contact Dr. Jordan King, program director, for more information.
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 Natasha Trethewey Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and two-term U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey will deliver a free, public lecture titled “The Role of the Humanities in Our Personal and Civic Lives” at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5, in the University Center Tennessee Room. The event will include a lecture by Trethewey, readings from her work, a question-and-answer session and a book signing. Books will be available for purchase at the lecture through Barnes & Noble.
The lecture is sponsored by The Lyndhurst Foundation, the UTC Honors College O’Dea Lecture Series, the UTC Division of Access and Engagement, The Keese Lecture Series and the UTC Department of English.
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 Dr. Kelly Richmond Pope “From Curiosity to Courtrooms,” a real-world look at forensic accounting will take place at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10, in the University Center Auditorium.
Dr. Kelly Richmond Pope will share her unconventional career journey at the intersection of accounting, ethics, storytelling and investigation. The talk offers an engaging and practical look at how accounting can be used to protect organizations and the public and may be of interest to those exploring career paths, interested in ethics or drawn to real-world investigative work. Registration information is available here.
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“Take Five 2026: Americans Abroad” invites the UTC campus and broader community to take part in a shared reading experience exploring what happens when Americans travel abroad—for both high and low adventure.
Upcoming selections and presenters include:
- Tuesday, Feb. 10: Sybil Baker presents “The Sheltering Sky” by Paul Bowles
- Tuesday, March 3: Will Kuby presents “The Talented Mr. Ripley” by Patricia Highsmith
- Tuesday, March 24: Verbie Prevost presents “Daisy Miller” by Henry James
- Tuesday, April 7: Bryan Hampton presents “The English Experience” by Julie Schumacher
All sessions take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday evenings in the University Center Tennessee Room. A light dinner will be served. Books may be ordered through any online retailer or at the UTC Bookstore. Questions can be directed to Aaron Shaheen.
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Students are invited to the All Majors Job and Internship Fair from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11, in the University Center Tennessee Room. The fair offers opportunities to explore internships, part-time and full-time jobs, and volunteer roles while connecting with employers from a range of industries. Contact Career Connections with questions.
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Scrappy’s Cupboard is open and operational for the spring semester and is now located in University Center Room 278. Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. All UTC faculty, staff and students are welcome to visit. Patrons may use Scrappy’s Cupboard once per month, no questions asked.
The next Scrappy’s Markets will take place from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, on the second floor of the University Center. Upcoming spring markets will be held from 2-4 p.m. in the University Center on the following dates:
- Tuesday, Feb. 24
- Wednesday, March 11
- Tuesday, March 24
- Wednesday, April 8
- Tuesday, April 21
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The Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science is hosting a celebration for Darwin Day from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, in the Lupton Hall First Floor Lobby. Join to celebrate Darwin’s birthday with cake and a scavenger hunt. Meet and mingle with BGE faculty showcasing their teaching, research and service.
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The Journey Health Foundation Research Center will host a data summit from 9:30 a.m.-noon on Tuesday, Feb. 17, in the Wolford Family Athletic Center.
The event will bring together faculty, students, community organization leaders and business partners to explore how data can help communities better understand and respond to everyday factors that influence health and well-being across Chattanooga and the surrounding region. Registration is available here.
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The Probasco Chair of Free Enterprise will host Steve Forbes for a lecture titled “How Free Enterprise, Not Government, Made America Great” at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, in the UTC Fine Arts Center.
Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, will explore the principles of economic freedom through the lens of some of the country’s most influential entrepreneurs. There will be time at the end for a Q&A, moderated by UTC Probasco Chair Claudia Kramer. Registration information is available here.
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“Drawing the Future from the Past,” an exhibition highlighting student work from UTC’s Interior Architecture and Design program, will be on view through Thursday, Feb. 26, at the Association for Visual Arts (AVA) Landis Education Gallery (30 Frazier Ave.).
The exhibition features projects from a two-semester capstone sequence in which students research historically significant buildings and develop adaptive reuse proposals informed by architectural, cultural and social context. Students collaborate with professional mentors, architects, historians, code officials and building owners, as well as community partner Preserve Chattanooga, to create design solutions that support preservation advocacy and potential community revitalization.
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The Institute for Contemporary Art presents “The Cupola Project,” an exhibition on view through Friday, March 6. Initiated in 2023 by artist and professor Martijn Van Wagtendonk as a sculpture assignment at the University of Georgia’s Lamar Dodd School of Art, the project has grown to engage more than 45 students and faculty from diverse disciplines.
Inspired by Renaissance architect Filippo Brunelleschi, “The Cupola Project” integrates engineering, science, language, music, philosophy and kinetic sculpture into a large-scale interactive structure. Constructed with mortise-and-tenon joints, the work has continued to evolve over recent years. Designed with portability in mind, Cupola functions like a mobile fairground attraction, easily assembled and disassembled to travel and engage audiences.
The ICA is free and open to the public from noon-4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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The UTC Graduate School announced that the following student will be presenting final works of research as an advanced degree candidate. Everyone is invited to attend.
Welcome to UTC
The following employees joined UTC in December:
- Patrick Thomas Mashburn – Manager of Marketing and Communications, Gary W. Rollins College of Business
- Jermaine Freeman – Executive Director of Economic and Workforce Development, Chancellor’s Office
- Michael Terrance Warren – Accounting Specialist, Bursar’s Office
- Abigail Marie Sites – Administrative Assistant, Disability Resource Center
- Katie Robinson – Assistant Teacher, Children’s Center Brown Academy
- Moses Acquah – LDA Postdoctoral Position – Smart Energy Systems, College of Engineering and Computer Science
- Jeffrey C. Sundean – Director, Project Management, Facilities
- Lauren Surmann – Director of Creative Services, Division of Communications and Marketing
- Nadia D. Burris – Assistant Teacher, Children’s Center Brown Academy
Campus Updates
February often puts the spotlight on romantic relationships, but it is also an ideal time to focus on self-love and healthy connections of all kinds. Between classes, work, friendships and social pressure, it is easy to put your own needs last—but healthy relationships start with knowing your worth, setting boundaries and communicating openly.
Friendships play a huge role in our well-being, especially in college, and healthy ones should feel supportive, respectful and safe. Take time this month to notice which relationships—romantic or platonic—energize you and which ones drain you, and give yourself permission to prioritize rest, balance and emotional safety.
Practicing self-love—such as saying no without guilt, asking for help and choosing habits that support your mental and physical health—can help you build stronger connections with others and a healthier relationship with yourself, now and beyond your time at UTC. For additional resources related to relationships, the Center for Wellbeing offers education on creating and sustaining healthy connections. For more information, contact Karey Daniel.
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UTC Athletics invites cancer survivors and those currently battling cancer to be recognized during women’s basketball’s annual Cancer Awareness game at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19. Those interested in participating are asked to contact Laura Herron.
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The Environmental Studies program is partnering with the SGA Sustainability Committee, Tinker Ma Architects and local glass recycling company Overlooked Materials to turn old glass into the new lobby floor of Oak Street Residence Hall.
UTC students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to bring empty, clean glass jars—such as teriyaki sauce, strawberry jam and pickle jars—to the bright yellow collection bins located at Stacy Town Center and the University Center Roundabout, directly across from the Esports Complex.
All glass colors are accepted, with dark blue glass especially encouraged. Collection bins will be available from now through the start of spring break.
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UT Promise is a last-dollar scholarship that covers remaining tuition and mandatory fees for eligible Tennessee residents at UTC and includes required mentoring and community service. Student Success Programs has received requests from UT Promise students for mentors to help support them during their time at UTC, with students required to meet with a mentor at least once per semester for guidance, questions and goal-focused encouragement. Faculty and staff can complete the interest form or contact Student Success Programs with questions, and additional information will be shared with those who express interest.
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Faculty are invited to join the Faculty Writing Collective, which meets from 9:30 a.m.-noon on Fridays during the academic year in the UTC Library. This is a writing accountability group that includes a brief goal setting exercise, two hours of quiet writing time and a check-in at the end of the session.
The UTC Faculty Writing Collective’s goal is to support faculty who face structural, cultural and institutional barriers to writing by fostering a supportive community grounded in accountability, care and equity. Faculty are encouraged to carve out dedicated writing or research time this Friday and enjoy a pastry while they work. To join the email list, contact Emma McDonell.
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UTC Campus Recreation has launched the Adventure Awaits Scholarship Fund to expand access to Mocs Adventure Camp, one of the University’s youth summer programs. The fund will provide scholarship support for children who may not otherwise be able to attend the camp due to financial barriers, with a goal of supporting 25 campers this year.
Donations of any amount help make camp accessible to more families. As a thank you, the first 50 donors who give $50 or more will receive a limited-edition “This Shirt Did Some Good” T-shirt. Those whose children have previously attended Mocs Adventure Camp are also invited to share their camp stories to help highlight the program’s impact.
To learn more, make a gift or share a story, visit the Adventure Awaits Scholarship Fund page. Questions can be directed to MocsAdventureCamp@utc.edu.
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The UT Alliance of Women Philanthropists is accepting applications from UT faculty, staff, departments and student organizations for the 2026-27 Giving Circle Grants Cycle to support projects that challenge conventional approaches and inspire new solutions to pressing needs.
Proposals may request support for a new project or program that benefits the campus or an expansion of an existing program. Grant requests may range from $2,500–$25,000 and may not include general operating expenses, including faculty salaries. Applications include a cover sheet, a two-page proposal narrative and a one-page detailed budget. Full instructions and a list of past recipients are available on the Circle of Giving website.
Those planning to apply should notify Todd Moore-Doman by today (Feb. 3) so ORSP can assist with budget preparation and application materials. Proposals must be submitted for routing in Cayuse SP by Friday, Feb. 20, to be eligible for consideration. ORSP will submit final approved proposals to AWP by Friday, Feb. 27, with awards expected to be announced by Monday, March 30.
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The Chattanooga Area Regional Transit Authority (CARTA) operates a free shuttle that serves downtown, the North Shore, St. Elmo and the Incline Railway. The current route was developed in the early 1990s and, aside from the recent addition of the North Shore Express, has remained largely unchanged.
CARTA is now reimagining its shuttle routes and service and is seeking community input. Whether you are a daily shuttle user or have never hopped on for a ride, CARTA wants to hear from you. An interactive map allows participants to drag and drop pins to share ideas, thoughts and suggestions for improving shuttle service. A short survey, which takes about five minutes to complete, is also available through the map.
Community members are encouraged to take the survey and share it with friends, family and co-workers. This is an opportunity to help improve how the shuttle benefits residents, businesses and visitors across the community. Click here for the interactive map and survey.
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The Office of Research Integrity has announced a new go-live date for DASH Research IRB: Monday, Feb. 16. After this date, all new IRB applications must be submitted through the DASH Research IRB module.
For questions or assistance, contact Baley Whary at irb@utc.edu or 423-425-5867.
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The Journey Health Foundation Research Center is accepting proposals for the REACH Fund, a new seed-funding program supporting applied research that turns data into action for healthier communities. Selected projects may receive up to $25,000 to explore how social determinants of health influence outcomes in Chattanooga and the surrounding region, with applications due Monday, March 30. Applications are available here.
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The National Science Foundation Noyce Track 2 fellowship project is accepting applications from STEM-degreed professionals to prepare to teach secondary mathematics and science through the Master of Education degree program. The 2026-2027 cohort will begin coursework in May 2026. Please contact Deborah McAllister or click this link for project details.
UTC Newsroom
 Brielyn Hallam (right) Brielyn Hallam has chemistry in her blood. Growing up with two chemists as parents made it a natural fit when she was considering colleges, but her own experience helped her choose a specific field.
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 Chandler Mason Chandler Mason, a senior finance major and Rollins Scholar in UTC’s Gary W. Rollins College of Business, used internships, student leadership in the SMILE Fund and hands-on coursework to prepare for entrepreneurship. Along the way, he discovered a passion for data organization and coding—skills he’s now applying as he works toward launching his own startup.
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 Dr. June Scobee Rodgers UTC will always remain closely linked to the space shuttle Challenger, which exploded 40 years ago on Jan. 28, 1986. Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, the widow of Challenger Commander Francis R. “Dick” Scobee, serves as founding chair of Challenger Center, a STEM-education nonprofit organization.
While there was no UTC representation on board the shuttle, its memory lives on at the UTC Challenger STEM Learning Center, which was the first center to be located on a University campus.
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Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:
- Christine Macias and Douglas Wilson aren’t new to being newcomers. In fall 2025, they entered the first cohort of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program at UTC, a concentration within the Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
- When the Chattanooga area prepares for possible inclement weather, UTC reminds students, faculty and staff to stay informed and prioritize safety. Brett Fuchs, director of emergency management, threat assessment, emergency communications and safety, and the University’s public information officer, shared how UTC monitors weather conditions, communicates with the campus community and prepares for hazards like black ice.
WUTC
 Tom Griscom and Linda Moss Mines This summer, the Chattanooga-Hamilton County History Experience will open at Broad and Third streets, featuring original films, interactive exhibits and student storytelling focused on local history. Through a partnership with Dynamo Studios, Hamilton County public school students will work alongside professional filmmakers, with insights from volunteer advisors John Edwards, Linda Moss Mines and Tom Griscom. The launch was explored during a recent episode of WUTC’s Scenic Roots.
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