February 4-10, 2025

Updates and news for the week of February 4-10, 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.
Highlights
Spring semester Scrappy’s Markets

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 first taking place today (Feb. 4). Markets will also be held Feb. 19, 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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Apply now to be an orientation leader

Orientation leaders are a vital part of the success of our orientation programs. Are you interested in engaging with incoming students and their families and helping them navigate UTC’s campus, our website and University processes? Being an orientation leader is a great networking and leadership opportunity, plus you’ll receive free UTC-branded gear.
The 2025 orientation leader application is open in MocSync through Sunday, Feb. 9. Use the provided QR code or link provided here to access the application.
Want to learn more before you apply? If you were unable to attend one of the earlier interest meetings, that’s OK. Email katelynn-buchanan@utc.edu for more information.
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UTC Celebrates Black History Month

UTC Black History Month 2024 began Monday with a kickoff celebration featuring the Littleton H. Mason Singers, the Ladies of Gold dance team and “Taste of Black Chattanooga” in Lupton Hall.
The theme of UTC Black History Month is “A Celebration of Firsts,” with special events taking place throughout February.
Check the Black History Month events calendar for a complete listing of activities.
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NEW MONTHLY SERIES SET TO DEBUT

Quench your thirst for knowledge at Science on Tap, a free, monthly event launching in February. 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. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 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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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.
Outstanding People of UTC
 Dr. Katelyn Hancock
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Katelyn Hancock has been named the recipient of the Ken Peak Innovations in Teaching Award by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. The Ken Peak Innovations in Teaching Award recognizes faculty members for innovative and effective teaching methods that enhance learning experiences and have the potential to be replicated by other educators.
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 UTC occupational therapy students participated in a SETAAAD/UTC community outreach event at the Whitwell Senior Center.
UTC has expanded its reach in Southeast Tennessee by partnering with the Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability (SETAAAD) to bring evidence-based programs to senior centers across a 10-county region—Bledsoe, Bradley, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, Rhea and Sequatchie. The UTC interprofessional initiative is being spearheaded by Dr. Kristi Wick (Nursing), Dr. Erin Melhorn (Occupational Therapy) and Dr. Cathy Scott (Social Work).
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 Morgan Romano
Chattanooga volleyball alumnus Morgan Romano saw her dreams of playing professional volleyball come to fruition last week, as the recent UTC grad inked a pro deal with Fer Volley in Ferizaj, Kosovo.
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Check out these Mocs in the news:
- Assistant Professor of Anthropology Emma McDonell discussed her new book “The Quinoa Bust: The Making and Unmaking of an Andean Miracle Crop” on an episode of KALW 91.7, a San Francisco NPR station.
- A Times Free Press column featured Dr. Claudia Kramer, who spoke about her role as professor and Scott L. Probasaco Jr. Distinguished Chair of Free Enterprise.
- Dr. Howard Wall was interviewed by the Times Free Press to discuss the median wage for Chattanooga.
Mark Your Calendar
 The women’s softball team begins its season this weekend with a trip to the Frank Griffin Classic in DeLand, Florida (photo courtesy of gomocs.com)
This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:
- Thursday, Feb. 6: Women’s basketball vs. UNC Greensboro, McKenzie Arena, 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Feb. 8: Men’s tennis vs. Eastern Kentucky, UTC Tennis Center, 10 a.m.
- Saturday, Feb. 8: Women’s tennis vs. Eastern Kentucky, UTC Tennis Center, 1 p.m.
- Saturday, Feb. 8: Women’s basketball vs. Western Carolina, McKenzie Arena, 2 p.m.
- Saturday, Feb. 8: Men’s basketball vs. Furman, McKenzie Arena, 4:30 p.m.
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Join Career Connections from noon-1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5, on Zoom for the Career Development Workshop as part of the Grad School Professional Development Series.
Understanding and respecting diverse identities is essential for professional growth and fostering an inclusive workplace. Bringing your authentic self to work enriches your team and your field, but it can also feel vulnerable. This workshop will guide you in navigating diverse identities, understanding rights in the workplace, and setting healthy boundaries to help create a supportive and inclusive professional environment.
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Join the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures for the next session of the Mesa De Español at 12:10 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5, in Lupton 239 (MCLL Language Lab). The session will offer informal conversation practice in Spanish for speakers of all levels. If you like Spanish and want to hear and practice it, you are welcome.
Other sessions during the semester are from 12:10-1:10 p.m. on March 5, March 19, April 2 and April 16.
Participa con el Departamento de Lenguas Modernas y Clásicas para la próxima
sesión de la Mesa de Español a las 12:10 pm el miércoles 5 de febrero en Lupton 239 (el laboratorio de lenguas). En la sesión ofreceremos práctica de conversación en español para hablantes de todos niveles. Si te gusta el español y quieres escuchar y practicarlo, estás bienvenido/a.
Otras sesiones durante el semestre serán de 12:10 a 1:10 on 5 y 19 de marzo, 2 y 16 de abril.
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The Prism Center will be conducting a Safe Zone Aspiring Ally training session from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6.
A Safe Zone is a space in which anyone in the LGBTQ+ community will be supported and affirmed. Safe Zone training will help participants learn to create a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ members of campus by providing education, resources and advocacy. The training includes small group activities, an information session and large group discussions. Participants will then be able to display a UTC Safe Zone Aspiring Ally sticker in their office to demonstrate their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.
Space is limited, so please click here to register.
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The Gary W. Rollins College of Business and the Probasco Chair of Free Enterprise will host a sold-out panel discussion titled “The Economics of Sports” from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6, in the Wolford Family Athletics Center.
Randy Boyd, UT System president and owner/operator of five minor league baseball teams, joins sports economist Brad R. Humphreys and sportswriter Jay Greeson to explore today’s sports industry. From the impact of name, image and likeness (NIL) publicity rights, to taxes, subsidies and market trends, gain an insider’s view of the complex economic forces shaping today’s sports world.
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 Dr. Rick Mukherjee
The campus community is invited to join the next Quantum Journal Club meeting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6, in Lupton Hall Room 308. Dr. Rick Mukherjee, inaugural director of the UTC Quantum Center, will give a presentation, “Quantum Algorithms for Optimization Problems.”
On Thursday, Feb. 20, the Quantum Journal Club hosts Dr. Emily Tucker, Clemson University Industrial Engineering Department assistant professor. Tucker’s talk will highlight her work in quantum computing in transportation and logistics.
For more information or questions, email chris-cox@utc.edu.
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The public is invited to a free Star Party from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9, at UTC’s Clarence T. Jones Observatory.
Clarence T. Jones Observatory is located at 10 N. Tuxedo Avenue in Chattanooga. The lecture and planetarium show begins at 6 p.m. Seating is limited so arrive early.
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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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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. Free tickets are available here.
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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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“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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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

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.
UTC Newsroom
 Dr. Michael Williams (left), Elijah Cameron and Nicole Brown
Last Friday, UTC’s Dr. Michael Williams and community leader Elijah Cameron answered questions and reflected on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s influence on the Chattanooga community as part of UTC’s annual MLK Day celebration.
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 Dr. Claudia Kramer
Dr. Claudia Kramer, the Scott L. Probasco Jr. Distinguished Chair of Free Enterprise, is making economics an accessible and engaging part of everyday life. From leading the Phillips Scholarship in Free Enterprise program to hosting events with local and global thought leaders, Kramer’s work demonstrates the real-world relevance of economics.
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 Gage Keeble
Gage Keeble’s journey through college isn’t your typical path of lectures, exams and weekend downtime. The UTC junior is double majoring in marketing: professional sales and finance while juggling roles as a chief analyst for the SMILE Fund, a member of the initial cohort of Phillips Scholars in Free Enterprise, and owning his own business.
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 Dr. June Scobee Rodgers poses with third-grade students at the UTC Challenger STEM Learning Center.
Thirty-nine years ago, on Jan. 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger tragically exploded, taking the lives of all seven crew members on board. Among them was Commander Francis R. “Dick” Scobee. To commemorate the anniversary, Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, widow of Commander Scobee and founding chair of the Challenger Center, visited the Challenger STEM Learning Center at UTC.
WUTC

Scott L. Probasco Jr. Distinguished Chair of Free Enterprise Claudia Kramer joined an episode of “Scenic Roots” on WUTC-FM 88.1 to discuss “The Economics of Sports,” an event coming to the Wolford Family Athletics Center this week.
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