January 21-27, 2025

Updates and news for the week of January 21-27, 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 or 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.
Highlights
“Chatting with the Chancellor” Debuts on WUTC
 WUTC’s Ray Bassett talks to Dr. Robert Dooley
WUTC-FM 88.1, UTC’s public radio station, is set to launch a series of monthly one-on-one conversations with Interim Chancellor Robert Dooley.
“Chatting with the Chancellor” will air on WUTC’s “Scenic Roots” at 3 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month beginning today (Jan. 21). Episodes will also be available on demand through the WUTC website, app and wherever podcasts are found.
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UTC MLK Day Commemorative Brunch

Join the Office of Multicultural Affairs at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, in the University Center Tennessee Room for the UTC MLK Day Commemorative Brunch. Director of the UTC Africana Studies Program Dr. Michael Williams and Director of Community Relations and Development for the Bessie Smith Cultural Center Elijah Cameron will discuss the impact Dr. King had in the Chattanooga area. Register here.
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Submit your Black History Month events

The Office of Multicultural Affairs has selected the theme “A Celebration of Firsts” for Black History Month, emphasizing the landmark experiences of African Americans. This month will showcase the intellectual and collective impact of African Americans who have championed excellence and innovation in their respective fields.
If you are sponsoring or are aware of events (on campus or in the Chattanooga area) you would like to see included in the UTC Black History Month calendar, please submit your information to Christopher-Stokes@utc.edu.
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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, Jan. 27. The February newsletter will be emailed to members Wednesday, Feb. 5.
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Nominate Award-Winning Alums

The 2025 Distinguished Alumni, Outstanding Service and GOLD Excellence Award nomination forms are live. If you know an alumnus/a who is exemplary in their field, someone who champions UTC with their time and talents or a newer graduate making early strides in their career, nominate them today. More information and simplified nomination links can be found at alumni.utc.edu/awards. The deadline for nominations is Fri, Jan. 31.
Outstanding People of UTC
 Dr. Sherah Basham
Congratulations to UTC faculty and staff who received awards or submitted proposals for sponsored programs in December. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs announced that faculty and staff attracted $435,258 in external grant and contract awards and submitted proposals for the potential to generate over $2,527,400 in external funding if awarded.
Among those receiving awards in December was Dr. Sherah Basham (Social, Cultural and Justice Studies), who received $99,830 from Arnold Ventures for the project titled “A multi-site planning of a rapid video response model: Phase I – randomized control trial planning and piloting.”
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 Beeta Baghaevaji (standing) defended her bills at the TISL mock legislature. Photo courtesy of Susanne Cooper.
In the same room where Tennessee’s laws are debated and passed, the UTC student delegation to the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL) recently won Best Overall Delegation for the third time in five years.
The delegation also won several individual awards and elections for positions next year. Beeta Baghaevaji won the Carlisle Award—TISL’s oldest and most prestigious honor, Carolina Shank won Best Lobbying CEO, Kaylee Victory won Outstanding Lobbyist, and Carmen Witt was elected as Senate Pro Temp for next year’s TISL competition.
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UC Foundation Professor of Medical Anthropology Zibin Guo (above) recently represented UTC on the world stage as a speaker at the 2024 Global Martial Arts Forum in Chungju, Republic of Korea. Guo’s presentation highlighted his innovative work in developing and implementing wheelchair and inclusive Tai Chi Chuan programs for vulnerable populations across the continent.
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Check out these Mocs in the news:
- Austin Harris, chief technology officer for the Center for Urban Informatics and Progress, spoke to the Times Free Press about Chattanooga expanding a new lidar traffic system throughout downtown.
- A News 12 Now story discussed Professor Gary Wilkerson’s recent involvement in a virtual panel discussion titled “AI and Health Care: What Works & What’s Ahead.”
- IGTLab Director Charlie Mix was interviewed for a Times Free Press article about tree canopies in Chattanooga.
- Vice Chancellor Vicki Farnsworth spoke to NewsChannel 9 for a story about AI advancements.
- Associate Lecturer of Marketing Ryan Russell was interviewed by NewsChannel 9 about TikTok.
Mark Your Calendar
 The women’s tennis team travels to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, this weekend to take on Louisville and Middle Tennessee State (photo credit: gomocs.com)
This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:
- Thursday, Jan. 23: Men’s basketball vs. Samford, McKenzie Arena, 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Jan. 25: Women’s basketball vs. ETSU, McKenzie Arena, 2 p.m.
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Interested in advancing your career and education? Attend UTC’s Virtual Grad Fair via Zoom from noon-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22, to:
- Explore programs: Discover your path with UTC’s 30-plus graduate degree programs.
- Meet experts: Connect with faculty, staff and program representatives.
- Get answers: Gain insights on career paths, admissions processes and more.
Free application fee waivers will be available for attendees when attending a program breakout session (domestic students only). The event is open to anyone interested in transforming their future with a graduate degree from UTC.
Visit utc.edu/virtual-graduate-fair to learn more and register today.
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Study in “Paree” for a “Chattanooga fee.” Attend the final information sessions at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22, or at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23, in Lupton 239 (MCLL Language Lab) to learn more. Open to all majors.
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The UTC Department of Communication will celebrate the launch of its new Solutions Journalism initiative with an event starting at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22, on the first floor of Lupton Hall. The event will feature a town hall discussion, a panel presentation with experts and opportunities for student journalists to collaborate on impactful story ideas. For more information, click here.
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The Center for Wellbeing is offering a monthly lineup of trainings for faculty and staff. If interested, 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.
- Thursday, Jan. 23: Suicide Prevention Using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale, University Center 350, noon-1 p.m.
- Monday, Jan. 27: Opioid Overdose Response and Narcan, University Center 350, noon-1 p.m.
- Thursday, Jan. 30: Psychological First Aid, University Center 350, noon-1 p.m.
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The public is invited to a free Star Party on Sunday, Jan. 26, at UTC’s Clarence T. Jones Observatory (10 N. Tuxedo Ave.). Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the lecture and planetarium show begin at 6 p.m. The telescope viewing goes until 8 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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The Gary W. Rollins College of Business will hold virtual information sessions about UTC’s Master of Business Administration, MS Management, MS Data Analytics and Master of Accountancy graduate programs. The Rollins College of Business graduate degree programs provide flexible course options and career advancement resources to advance your education and elevate your career.
MAcc Information Sessions
MSM Information Sessions
MSDA Information Sessions
MBA Information Sessions
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The Office of New Student and Family Programs is hosting three meetings for any current students interested in being an Orientation Leader for the upcoming 2025 orientation season. The meetings will discuss the importance of the position, requirements needed to apply, the application/interview process, benefits and more. All sessions are at 3 p.m. in the Admissions Tour Center in the University Center.
- Wednesday, Jan. 29
- Thursday, Jan. 30
- Monday, Feb. 3
Can’t attend one of the sessions but still interested in being a 2025 Orientation Leader? Email Katelynn at katelynn-buchanan@utc.edu to receive more information.

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, Jan. 29, 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. in Lupton 239:
- Feb. 5, March 5, March 19, April 2, 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 29 de enero 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 en Lupton 239:
- 5 de febrero, 5 y 19 de marzo, 2 y 16 de abril
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The Honors College will host a volunteer and internship fair from 2:30-4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29, in the Guerry Center reading room. Come meet with representatives from local organizations to learn about opportunities to engage in the local Chattanooga community, including Signal Centers, the Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga, Crabtree Farms and more. All students, staff and faculty are welcome. Food and refreshments will be included.
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Join the Gary W. Rollins College of Business and the Probasco Chair of Free Enterprise for a panel titled “The Economics of Sports” from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6, in the Wolford Family Athletic 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. With an open Q&A and lunch provided, this is a must for anyone fascinated by the business behind the game. Register here.
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The Prism Center will be conducting Safe Zone Aspiring Ally training sessions on the following dates:
- Thursday, Feb. 6: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 5: 1-5 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 1: 1-5 p.m.
- Monday, May 5: 1-5 p.m.
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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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 featured presenter at the Science on Tap debut from 5-7 p.m., 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. Science on Tap will take place from 5-7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Click here to register to attend.
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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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The College of Engineering and Computer Science will host the annual E-Week Open House from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, in the Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) Building. The event is open to all and offers an opportunity to explore engineering and technology through hands-on activities and demonstrations.
- Hands-on activities and lab experiences will highlight areas such as computer science, civil engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics engineering technology and mechanical engineering.
- Representatives from Underwriters Laboratories, ChaTech and TVA will present demonstrations and learning sessions.
- Information tables will feature Financial Aid and Scholarships, Career Services, Advancement and Alumni Affairs, and Graduate Programs, as well as community partners like Astec, TVA, Volkswagen and the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga.
- Food trucks, including Sourdough Cuppa Joe and SoulQue, will provide meals and refreshments for purchase in the ECS breezeway.
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The 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.
Campus Updates

Learning and Leadership is currently accepting applications to its summer 2025 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 Friday, Feb. 28.
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 UT Alliance of Women Philanthropists is now accepting grant applications for the 2025 Giving Circle grants program. This initiative empowers innovative programs and projects across the UT System with funding ranging from $2,500 to $25,000.
The Alliance seeks forward-thinking proposals that demonstrate creativity, impact and potential for meaningful change in instruction, research, outreach or fundraising. Grant recipients will be recognized at the Annual Women & Philanthropy Symposium on April 25.
Faculty, staff, departments and university-recognized student organizations may apply. Faculty applications are due via Cayuse SP by Wednesday, Feb. 19, with final submissions to the Alliance by Wednesday, Feb. 26.
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Register and reserve your spot for the 2025 UT Innovative Technologies Symposium, taking place Jan. 28-29 at the Knoxville Convention Center.
Hosted by the Office of Innovative Technologies, this two-day symposium will focus on our everyday IT challenges, shared interests, honed skills and newfound passions. Together, we aim to foster innovative IT solutions, expand knowledge and form strategic collaborations that can significantly impact the University of Tennessee system. We encourage anyone from the entire UT System to participate, present and attend.
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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 2025-2026 cohort will begin coursework in May. Please contact Deborah-McAllister@utc.edu or visit this link for project details.
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Are you in need of physical therapy services? The Department of Physical Therapy offers short term care for students, faculty and staff for free. The on-campus clinic is led by PT faculty and doctoral students during the fall and spring semesters. If you are experiencing functional limitations, pain, lingering injuries, recent injuries or would like guidance to improve overall fitness, they are happy to evaluate you.
- For further information, reach out to ptclinic@utc.edu
- To schedule an appointment, call University Health Services at 423-425-2266
The clinic is located in the University Health Services portion of the Maclellan Gym (545 Terrell Owens Way). Hours of operation are Tuesdays 8 a.m.-noon and Thursdays 1-5 p.m.
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Mark your calendar for Feb. 13-14 and join the UT Grand Challenges Summit in Murfreesboro for a two-day event that brings together UT faculty, staff, state organizations, private industry and community leaders to address Tennessee’s most pressing issues. With a focus on K-12 education, strengthening rural communities and overcoming addiction, this summit is your opportunity to engage with colleagues from across the UT System, share innovative research, and ignite transformative partnerships.
This year’s summit features presentations by faculty and staff from all UT campuses and institutes, as well as keynote speakers, including celebrated author and former school superintendent Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, UT System President Randy Boyd, and leadership from every campus and institute during the “State of UT” address.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation shaping Tennessee’s future. Use this link to learn more and register before all spots are taken.
UTC Newsroom

Katelyn Hamilton (above), a junior chemical engineering major at UTC, has transformed a high school coffee shop job into the cornerstone of her academic and career goals.
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 Dr. Bret Eschman and graduate student Bailee Smith in the Visual Memory and Attention Development Lab.
Now in his third year at UTC, Dr. Bret Eschman uses eye-tracking technology in the Visual Memory and Attention Development Lab to study how people perceive, pay attention and make decisions. His work spans all ages, but much of his focus is on infants and young children—with the goal of identifying early markers for cognitive, social or language delays.
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 Dr. Deborah Mullen
Dr. Deborah Mullen’s career has been defined by a passion for improving health care systems—from her early days in health care operations in Minnesota to her current role as the Greg A. Vital-Franklin Farrow Professor of Healthcare Management at UTC.
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Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:
WUTC

Jim Tanner, a lecturer in communication at UTC—and sophomore communication major Mallori Crocker were featured on an episode of WUTC-FM 88.1’s “Scenic Roots” to discuss the Solutions Journalism initiative.
IN Memoriam
Services for Dr. Susan McDonald, the founding and former director of the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program, are scheduled for Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. at the Cove Church (366 Old Highway 431) in Owens Cross Roads, Alabama. A reception will follow at the Hampton House (2700 Hampton Cove Way) in Hampton Cove, Alabama. Dr. McDonald passed away on Nov. 7, 2024. A full obituary is available here.
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Dr. Clive Kileff, professor emeritus at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, passed away on Jan. 3, 2025, in Florida at the age of 82. He was a faculty member in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Geography from 1970 to 1998. A lifelong athlete, Dr. Kileff ran the Boston Marathon and competed in Wimbledon qualifying matches and the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament. A full obituary is available here.
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Dr. Ossama Saleh, a professor in the UTC Department of Mathematics, passed away on Nov. 30, 2024. A graduate of high school in Egypt at age 16, Dr. Saleh earned bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and pure mathematics. He joined UTC in 1988 after earning a master’s degree in mathematics and statistics and a Ph.D. in applied mathematics from the University of Nebraska. His contributions in teaching, research and service will leave a lasting legacy for years to come. A full obituary is available here.
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This section is reserved for memorial announcements of current and former UTC employees as the Office of Communications and Marketing becomes aware. To publish an announcement, a publicly available obituary must be provided. Please send any announcements to Vice Chancellor JAy Blackman at jay-blackman@utc.edu.
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